“As you can see, Solange loves to be the center of attention.”
“Why is everyone making such a big deal about it? Jasmine had a baby and she’s pregnant, too. I don’t see everyone turning cartwheels. And what about Riley? She has a child, and although she hasn’t said a word, I think she’s in the same state.” She turned her face up to glare at Dominic and then looked back to Sarika. “Don’t drink the water, and don’t be persuaded byanythingthat man says to you. It’s a dangerous time right now.”
Thanks to Sarika sharing her blood with his brothers and cousin, Tomas could feel the shared amusement in all of them.
Chapter
12
“Balloons,” Solange said. She pinned Sarika with a steely gaze. “What is it with balloons? Why is it necessary to put those things all over the house? Do you honestly think they’re festive?” She gave a little shudder, which the males immediately found amusing.
Under Solange’s stoic demeanor, Sarika could feel her blossoming need to run. It was Dominic keeping her there. Dominic ensuring she didn’t do what Solange would have considered humiliating herself. Dominic protecting her in the way she needed and asked for. Solange was mimicking the other women under similar circumstances. Those weren’t her own reactions at all. Deep down, she was horrified at the attention and wanted to conceal herself far away from whatever event was unfolding.
Sarika considered how best to aid her in the deception. She understood Solange’s motives. She was attempting to fit in for her cousins, whom she deeply loved. She showed her love in the way she fought for them and their rights. She had no idea how to show a softer side. She trusted Dominic to help her, but it was extremely difficult for her.
Sarika wasn’t certain the stress of trying to fit in was good for Solange or her baby. She didn’t question why she was able to feel so deeply what the males in the room, true Carpathians, could not. Sheonly knew that there was a well of concern deep inside her struggling to reach Solange to help her.
“It’s funny you say that about balloons, Solange,” Sarika said. “I’ve always had an aversion to them as well. I detest them floating through the air all over a room. When they pop, and kids often pop them, the sound freaks me out. And what’s really a pain is when the kids or adults start hitting them toward your face and think it’s funny.”
“Bad for the environment,” Tomas put in. “People release them into the air and birds get caught in them or poisoned by them.”
“The voice of doom,” Lojos joined in. “Sarika, Tomas is always the voice of doom when it comes to planet earth.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m wrong,” Tomas pointed out.
“Here we go,” Mataias said. “It has to be asked: Luiz, where do you stand on balloons?”
Sarika realized that Tomas and his brothers understood, through her, that something wasn’t quite right in the situation and were taking their cue from her. She was grateful none of them delved into her mind and took information. Sarika wasn’t adept at hiding anything, and she was certain Solange would view it as a betrayal if the men were suddenly aware of her deception.
“You want me to weigh in on the importance of balloons at a party?” Luiz asked, his voice that same monotone he used when he appeared aloof.
“Yeah, Luiz, you must have an opinion,” Lojos prompted. “You’re a De La Cruz. Does your family have opinions on the importance of balloons?”
Luiz lifted an eyebrow at Lojos, and Solange looked up at Dominic. Sarika was gratified to feel the woman’s amusement. It didn’t show on her face, but the conversation was helping.
“I have no idea what Zacarias would have to say about balloons. It has never come up in any family discussion. I suppose we didn’t realize the importance of whether or not to include them in any female ceremony we don’t take part in.”
“Female ceremony?” Sarika deliberately echoed. “That’s what you call a baby shower?”
“Carpathian babies don’t take showers,” Luiz said.
Solange laughed. Out loud. She looked up at Dominic again, her face soft. Sarika thought it was a beautiful look. She could actually feel the tension easing from Solange’s body.
Again, Luiz’s eyebrow shot up, and he directed his comments to Solange. “Well, they don’t. My memories include warriors cognizant of our origins, and I see no recollection of Carpathian babies showering.”
“The ceremony is called a baby shower,” Dominic supplied, “because the baby and mother are showered with gifts.”
Luiz shook his head. “This isn’t logical. Carpathian mothers can give their children whatever is needed by simply manufacturing those things.”
“Women have very little logic,” Lojos stated, “when it comes to babies.”
Sarika glared at him. “This is your informedmaleconclusion because you know so much about women?”
“Careful there, brother,” Mataias said. “Sarika has been known to become violent in certain situations. This is likely one of them. I want to point out,sisarke, for the sake of family honor, we have an audience.”
“Family honor?” Sarika bristled, glaring at him. “Are you implying I’m going to dishonor your family because I’m going to hit your misogynistic brother over the head?”
“One does have to protect him when he spouts his nonsense,” Mataias pointed out.
